Fla. Democrats complain they're being shut out by Republicans

Published: Monday, March 29, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, March 29, 2010 at 5:37 p.m.

TALLAHASSEE -- House Democrats complained Monday their ideas are being ignored and they are being shut out of the process by House Republicans as the Legislature reaches its halfway point.

At a news conference Monday, Democrats issued a report card and gave the Republicans a grade of "F" in the subjects of restoring public trust, improving education, helping small businesses and the middle class and placing people's priorities first. They gave their GOP counterparts an incomplete for job creation.

Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, a Democrat from Sarasota and Rep. Ron Saunders, a Democrat from Key West, said the Democrats have made suggestions and offered bills, which were "never considered." House Republicans outnumber their Democratic counterparts 75 to 44, with one seat vacant.

"What we could use here is a little democracy," Fitzgerald said.

"We could open up the process to function better internally. We could also focus on legislation that brings good government to Florida," Fitzgerald said.

"We want to be part of the conversation that would support and improve public education," he said.

Saunders said good ideas are being left off the table and as a result, "House Democrats will stand in firm opposition to the state budget."

Jill Chamberlain, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Larry Cretul, said he had no comment on the issues raised by the Democrats.

<p>TALLAHASSEE -- House Democrats complained Monday their ideas are being ignored and they are being shut out of the process by House Republicans as the Legislature reaches its halfway point.</p><p>At a news conference Monday, Democrats issued a report card and gave the Republicans a grade of "F" in the subjects of restoring public trust, improving education, helping small businesses and the middle class and placing people's priorities first. They gave their GOP counterparts an incomplete for job creation.</p><p>Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, a Democrat from Sarasota and Rep. Ron Saunders, a Democrat from Key West, said the Democrats have made suggestions and offered bills, which were "never considered." House Republicans outnumber their Democratic counterparts 75 to 44, with one seat vacant.</p><p>"What we could use here is a little democracy," Fitzgerald said.</p><p>"We could open up the process to function better internally. We could also focus on legislation that brings good government to Florida," Fitzgerald said.</p><p>"We want to be part of the conversation that would support and improve public education," he said.</p><p>Saunders said good ideas are being left off the table and as a result, "House Democrats will stand in firm opposition to the state budget."</p><p>Jill Chamberlain, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Larry Cretul, said he had no comment on the issues raised by the Democrats.</p>